Magnet Defense has begun production of its first M48 autonomous maritime platform, with delivery scheduled for the second quarter of 2027. The unmanned surface vessel is built on the same systems as the company's Magnet Research Vessel, which has logged over 1,000 days at sea and 40,000 nautical miles since 2020. The M48 supports multiple mission sets including integrated air and missile defence, contested logistics, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, and search and rescue. Each vessel will feature Magnet Defense's proprietary DriveAI navigational autonomy suite. "The M48 is not a conceptual system. It is a proven capability that has operated in the real world," said CEO Marc Bell. The platform aims to extend joint force capabilities without increasing manpower or logistics requirements.

Magnet Defense, a developer of autonomous maritime platforms for national security, has completed its acquisition of Metal Shark, a designer and shipbuilder of defence and law enforcement vessels. The deal combines Magnet Defense's autonomous technology with Metal Shark's shipbuilding capabilities to supply AI-enabled unmanned surface vessels to US and allied militaries. The acquisition positions the combined company to support the US Golden Fleet initiative. Metal Shark's shipyards will serve as production hubs for delivering autonomous maritime platforms for fleet operations and missile defence missions. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.